Former San Jose Sharks enforcer Link Gaetz faces warrant following alleged assault case in British Columbia

Charges have been laid in connection with an alleged assault involving a taxi driver, and former National Hockey League player Link Gaetz is wanted by authorities in British Columbia. The former enforcer is still at large after the incident, police say, that happened in 2025.

Gaetz played 65 games in his career, including parts of three seasons in the NHL with the San Jose Sharks and Minnesota North Stars. The new development has thrust one of hockey's most recognizable tough guys of the late 1980s and early 1990s back into the spotlight.

Former San Jose Sharks enforcer Link Gaetz charged

Former San Jose Sharks enforcer Link Gaetz is facing assault and mischief charges, British Columbia authorities say.

Police say the incident happened in September 2025 when a taxi driver in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Investigators said Gaetz told the driver to pull over and then attacked him repeatedly. Authorities say he also tried to shatter the car's security camera before smashing the windshield and leaving the scene.

Police have since issued a warrant for his arrest and are appealing to the public for information as to his whereabouts.

Investigators are looking into it but the 57-year-old former player has disappeared. Gaetz was selected by the Minnesota North Stars in the second round of the 1988 NHL Draft and played in the National Hockey League. He also had a stint with the San Jose Sharks and was known for his physical style of play.

Gaetz played in 65 NHL games, with six goals, eight assists and 412 penalty minutes. His NHL career may have been brief, but he’s a memorable figure in the world of hockey, thanks in large part to his reputation as one of the toughest players the game has ever seen.

The case has generated plenty of buzz around the NHL and has made its way into the latest NHL news roundup. British Columbia officials are asking anyone with information about Link Gaetz to contact law enforcement as the legal process unfolds.